A YOUTH club for disabled people has received a cash boost of nearly £6,000 to fund six support workers.

Awesome Nights, which is run by Dorset disability charity Diverse Abilities Plus and caters for 139 to 19-year-olds across the county, was awarded £5,876 for the salary costs from the Santander Foundation.

Some 20 teenagers with a range of physical and learning disabilities attend the club, where they can make new friends, learn new skills and enjoy day trips out.

The new support workers will be able to run the service for three hours each week.

Margaret Rustici, from Diverse Abilities Plus, said: “For many of our young local people with disabilities, the youth club is the only place they have to mix with others of their own age, away from their parents, in a relaxed and supported atmosphere. In the long term Awesome Nights activities support their personal development, educate and build confidence, all whilst spending time with their peers rather than their parents.”

She added that a range of activities had been put on each week at the club, which would not have been possible without the support of the Santander Foundation.